Russian authorities published the document on the official legal information portal on Sunday. The General Staff had previously assured that the newly conscripted would not be sent to fight in Ukraine, where Russia has been waging an aggressive war for over two years.
According to the new rules, mandatory service in the army from January 1 this year applies to citizens aged 18 to 30, the Russian news agency TASS reported. Last year, Parliament approved raising the age limit for enlistment in the armed forces by three years, as proposed by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the end of 2022.
The Ministry of Defense further informed that, simultaneously with the recruitment of conscripts, soldiers who have already completed basic service will be released into civilian life.
The Russian army needs new forces because, according to independent media estimates, it has lost tens of thousands of soldiers in the fighting in Ukraine. Moscow does not officially inform about the number of dead and wounded.
There have been speculations about a possible mobilization in Russia for a long time. Military experts do not rule out that Russia will also want to conquer the areas around Kharkiv and Odessa.
Reuters noted that compulsory military service has long been a sensitive issue in Russia. Many men go to great lengths to avoid taking draft orders.
The pre-war period has begun in Europe, I am not exaggerating, Tusk warned
Foreign
Tags: Putin signed decree spring conscription people join army
